Thrift Shop Shopping

This weekend I visited a couple of area thrift shops. My husband was in need of a new coffee pot for work after his broke. After a few tries, we found the right one and for only $2.99.

I find Value Village on Ontario Street to be bright and shopper friendly where the Good Will's are darker and organized a bit messier. I do have a great time at both and end up finding things I like. If you are going for price, Value Village is pricier. I found a great fake leather jacket for spring from RW&Co. at VV. It was $14.99 so I am still debating. I don't really need it. I found a wonderful purple skirt at Good Will that could be used as a cape for my super hero costume I dream about each year. (If you need anything for a costume, these are the places to go.) I didn't buy it but the find was fun.

If you are dropping things off at a thrift store, I find VV is easier since you drop and go and no one is there watching per say but did you know they are corporately owned? That means that charities do not get anything when you bring it to VV directly. VV gives money to charities when the charities drop things off themselves. I prefer to have the Diabetes Association (a charity I support, there are others) come and pick it up at my house. The Diabetes Ass. then sells it to VV and that way the Diabetes Ass. makes money. I see VV is giving stamps for buying items in the store and when you fill your card, you get money off your next purchase. I found out yesterday you get a stamp for each bag or box you donate too. I think all the other Thrift Shops better get on board that idea. 

I want to try some of the other smaller Thrift Shops and consignment shops. I have some repurpose ideas I want to try and what better place to go than a thrift shop? I find craft supplies, fabric swatches, and interesting do-dads that can be used for many fun projects.

On Sunday, while on a walk, I ventured into a used book store downtown. I can't explain the excitement I feel when I go in a place like that. What is waiting for me? What will I find? Will there be a book I have been looking for? Sadly, I ran out of time and had to go. I need hours to really get into every nook of the place. I will be back. 

While I am taking some time and really getting to know the area Thrift Shops, I will review them here and show some examples of what I find. I am getting excited about garage sales this summer and plan to attend a few auctions. Again, not that I need anything, I want to see how much of what I want is already out there. 

Let us know your finds too. Everyone loves a good find!